None of the Above

I.W. Gregorio’s idea in writing None of the Above is a potent one, that of discovering you are intersex in a world where being so is neither understood nor tolerated. I looked forward to being swept away by the story, but that wasn’t to be the case. A word of warning about my disappointment. I would not wish what follows to be seen as a condemnation of the book, but rather an attempt to understand my personal reactions to it as both a reader and a writer.First of all I had to run the gauntlet of a bevy of American teen girl markers, each striving to grab the attention of potential girl readers. Ok. I’m neither a teen nor a girl nor am I American, but none of that would normally be a barrier, on the contrary. My guess is that these don’t work because the reader senses an intention to force identification and this repels rather than attracts.The second problem I encountered was the unidimensional nature of the story. None of the Above centres around one story line. Now there’s nothing wrong with that, lest it be my personal taste for more complex stories that are closer to the complexity of real life. But when all the other characters come across like the backdrop to somebody else’s problem, the story lacks depth and is less engaging. As a result I had read the first two hundred pages (so something must have kept me reading) and yet I was still not engrossed in the book.Then quite unexpectedly I found myself caught up in the story and was unable to put the book down. My guess was that the author eased up on trying to get across the trials and tribulations of an intersex girl and, in doing so, finally let the characters emerge. That and a hint of mutual understanding and potential love did the trick.As if to confirm my hypothesis, my interest abruptly waned when the author set the two girls up with a chance to talk about their ‘condition’. And again when the author used a visit to the therapist to add further insight about intersex. My conclusion? An author pushing an idea, however poignant or touching it might be, is not good for the story. If an idea is your starting point, as a novel writer, you need to break free of that and let the characters live their lives.Thoughts first published on Secret Paths.

A moving novel limited by its overly obvious plot.Kristin is a high school senior in the USA, in love with her boyfriend Sam and looking forward to her future at University on a track scholarship. When she is diagnosed as intersex after a painful sexual encounter with her boyfriend, she faces external prejudice and internal confusion.I liked this novel. Kristin was a warm engaging character and the writing drew me in. I wanted to love it, but what stopped it from being five stars for me was what I felt were contrived plot points designed to illustrate some of the issues around being intersex.Nonetheless an interesting read on a little understood topic. Recommended.

Book arrived quickly and in tip-top condition.

'You fall for the person, not their chromosomes.'Just WOW I read this book in one sitting and it took my breath away. The writing, the plot and the pace of Kristin story everything was perfect. Also I'm a little in love with Darren too. I've never read a book about intersex before and I found it informative without taking away from the story. A great book for teens & adults looking for more diverse YA novels. I can't wait to read more from this author!!!

Good reading for mid-teen upward. Informative even if the storyline is a little prescriptive and to a point, predictable. Despite that - a good read and a page turner.

DD Loved it

I guess ignorance is bliss. I also hate to admit I was ignorant to this issue. But Ignorance should not be tolerated so I read the book twice then I researched the topic. I know I went a bit overboard but isn't that the reason of books to inform and educate?Well, I am now educated for sure. And it has created a new narrative in my life. So I will always be greatfull for reading this.It's a good book.Enjoy!

I was browsing Netgalley awhile back and came across None of the Above by IW Gregorio. I'd not heard much about the book or read many reviews of it, but I requested it there and then because I thought it'd be intriguing to read and learn more about a character who is Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) or intersex. It isn't something that I come across very much but I'm all about branching out and reading people's experiences, especially if they're very different from mine. And None of the Above was very eye-opening for me.There is a note at the back of my copy of the book from the author that states that the author does not have AIS that this isn't an #ownvoices novel but that they have had interactions with intersex people through their work.None of the Above is about Kristin, a teenager who after having a very painful experience attempting sex with her boyfriend, visits a doctor and is informed, at the age of 18, that she is in fact intersex. She really struggles throughout the course of the book ...on edge about who she is, her own identity and where she fits into the world again when she had no questions before. Before she was an ordinary teenager with friends, family, a boyfriend and is on her way to university. Now she's left wondering if her boyfriend will still love her, if her friends will stick by her, if her dad will cope.There was also several interesting actual intersex people brought up within the book, notably Caster Semenya, who like Kristin are involved in athletics and have had similar issues raised against their gender. But also positive role models who have helped pave the way for more intersex awareness and education.I found it really difficult to read Kristin's story in parts, particularly in the beginning. The beginning half of the book feels very much like a Mean Girls sort of story as Kristin's condition is leaked to the school, bullying occurs, people in Kristin's life turn away from her. But ultimately this book is very much a hopeful story of identity and acceptance.I very much enjoyed Kristin's journey. I love that she finds a community to where she fits in and belongs as well as finding support within her family and friendship circles. None of the Above isn't always an easy book to read but I found it enlightening and an important book to read.